Our ambition is to transform the Northern economy, unlocking up to £100 billion by 2050 and creating 850,000 more jobs. This would allow the North to pull its weight in the UK economy and act at a competitive level on the world stage.
Home to over 15 million people, the North is brimming with unfulfilled talent and untapped economic potential. Unlocking this potential through the Fourth Industrial Revolution is not only crucial to closing the North-South divide, it is essential to growth across the whole of the UK.
Our Mission
- To drive up productivity in the North, with the aim of raising the UK’s overall level
- To close the income gap between families in the North and South
- To rebalance investment in research & development, unlocking growth opportunities for both large and small northern businesses
- To promote the North as a place to work, study and live
- To build world-class infrastructure, allowing businesses better access to talent and providing more career opportunities for those living here
- To drive the decarbonisation of our economy, securing green growth for the nation and helping other countries across the globe to achieve the same
- To unlock the benefits of the North’s unique cultural assets, celebrating the rich heritage of our towns, cities and countryside, including our five national parks
Who are we
Our membership is made up of the North’s leading businesses, spanning a range of industries including energy, construction and financial services. Our partners comprise a range of different business models, including Arup, owned by its employees, and the Co-op Group, owned by its customers.
Senior Northern business leaders including Tristia Harrison (TalkTalk), Mark Reynolds (Mace), David Duffy (Virgin Money) and Chris Oglesby (Bruntwood) work together to drive forward the Northern Powerhouse agenda, supported by civic leaders and those with wider expertise, including in skills, education and world-class research.
Our Officers
George Osborne
Chair
George Osborne served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from May 2010 until July 2016 and is a former editor-in-chief of the London Evening Standard.
He is currently a partner at Robey Warshaw, a boutique bank.
Lord Jim O’Neill
Vice-chair
Lord O’Neill is a British economist, former Commercial Secretary to the Treasury and former Chief Economist at Goldman Sachs.
He is Chair of Chatham House and Northern Gritstone, as well as a trustee of education charity SHINE.
Professor Juergen Maier
Vice-chair
Professor Juergen Maier CBE is a leading UK industrialist and former CEO of Siemens UK.
He is Chair of the Digital Catapult and Co-Chair of the national Made Smarter manufacturing programme.
Paul Hirst
Head of Transport at Addleshaw Goddard and Chair of Transport Committee at NPP
Andrea Delay
Barclays Co-Head Mid Corporate, UK Corporate Banking, and Chair of Education & Skills Committee at NPP
Our Wider Board
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell
President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester
(acting in a personal capacity)
Baroness Judith Blake
Former Leader of Leeds City Council
Sharon Watson
CEO and principal at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.
Ben Houchen
Tees Valley Metro Mayor
Anne Longfield
Former Children's Commissioner for England
Sir Richard Leese
Manchester City Council
Our Members
Our Campaigns
Despite some pockets of economic success in recent years, huge inequalities still remain between the North and the rest of the UK in education attainment, job opportunities, transport investment and even health outcomes.
Our campaigns aim to bridge these divides, creating a better future for all those who live and work in the North - whether they are in towns or cities. A better-connected North creates a more prosperous and fairer society.
Get involved...
There are a number of ways you can help drive forward the Northern Powerhouse agenda.
Our Members
Working with businesses and organisations accross the North
